Manchester-based food blogger, lover of all things food and drink.

Month: June 2017

So, May happened. The month, not the person (June was nearly the end of May. Ha). Third year of University; so much tougher than I ever imagined! But it is all over. The best four years of my life so far. I loved almost every minute of it; the late nights in the library however, maybe not… but the friends I have made and the things I have learnt have truly inspired me to learn more.

Anyway, enough about my future career prospects, and back to food because I have a lot of catching up to do! I believe I have found the best Thai restaurant in Manchester. I don’t say that lightly, I believe this restaurant is the best in terms of quality, price and staff combined, to deliver a truly fantastic experience. The food is divine, the staff are so lovely and helpful and the location is perfect. Everyone should Try Thai.

I have been to Try Thai a few times now as well as many other Thai restaurants across Manchester (although not all, so don’t hold me to this statement), but it really outshines all others. Located on the edge of China Town and Canal Street, opposite a lovely grass green park within a short walk from the city centre. Try Thai impresses all with the atmosphere of a busy restaurant filled with delicious smells of spicy Thai food.

I should probably tell you about the food rather than blabbing about the restaurant itself. A classic Thai restaurant, there are pictures of the food. I love this, some people find it tacky or false advertising if the food isn’t the same (aka. McDonalds), but I don’t. I love it, I think it adds authenticity. Unfortunately, I have never been to Thailand, so I can’t compare the food to traditional Thai food, but I can compare against other Thai food I have cooked and eaten out. Rory however has been to Thailand, as has his sister Anna, and both raved about this restaurant, so I’m using these two as my guide to authenticity.

To start with we ordered some Thai prawn crackers and dips for the table along with a delicious cocktail for me and a beer for Rory. We shared two starters, the satay chicken skewers and the battered king prawns in penang sauce which was divine! The batter was light, crispy and the penang sauce had just the right amount of spice to sweetness for my taste buds. A perfect amount to open our palettes ready for the feast of curry to come.

Satay chicken skewers – £5.50

Battered King Prawn in Penang Sauce – £6.50

Rory ordered a bottle of wine to share, a little overzealous after the surprisingly strong cocktail (another plus) I had barely finished. For mains, Rory chose a crispy chicken fillet with penang curry. This choice includes the rice unlike most Thai curries. Lightly deep fried chicken served with a similar penang curry to the king prawns, with a side of vegetables and egg fried rice. Rory described the curry as packed with flavour, plenty of spice but no burning throats or runny noses, the chicken was crispy and well-cooked and all the flavours complimented each other well.

Crispy Chicken Fillet with Penang Curry – £12.95

Normally when I eat Thai food I choose a green Thai curry, however as I had already had this here I decided to mix it up and ordered a King Prawn (shock horror) jungle curry. What a tantalising mix of heat, spices and creaminess! The king prawns were divine, my mouth is watering just thinking about them. The sauce was full of flavour as you expect from a Thai curry. A few too many mushrooms for my taste but generally a very delicious dish. I ordered this with sticky rice, which matched the curry perfectly. I crave sticky rice on a daily basis, it really is the most delicious rice form!

King prawn jungle curry – £10.95 / Sticky rice – £3

There we have it. The best Thai restaurant in Manchester I have eaten at to date. I highly recommend anyone visiting Manchester, or around the area to book a table (and I recommend you book, it’s been full every time I have been), and enjoy the truly authentic experience! Hope you enjoyed this blog post, I promise not to disappear for so long again! Have you had any truly incredible Thai food (or indeed anything else)? If so let me know, I am always on the lookout for new restaurants to try.